Sunday, October 5, 2014

Русский Хэллоуин

It’s almost that special day of the year when all of the пебёнокrun
from door to door, dressed as призраки,
упыри, игоблины. Yes, I’m talking about Halloween;
a beloved American holiday, marked by many traditions and the commercialization
of death, which is celebrated each year on October 31. Unfortunately, Russians do not share American’s
adoration of this very westernized holiday. In fact, many areas have banned its
celebration in schools and are encouraging youths not to participate in any activities
at all. The components considered to be harmless fun by Americans are said to be
satanic and harmful to children by Russian religious groups.

The rejection of Halloween has more of a purpose than to reject
supposedly satanic principles, though. Many Russians believe that, by
eliminating holidays such as Halloween and Valentine’s Day, Russia can revive
some of its own traditions. Put simply, Halloween is synonymous with the westernization
of Russia in the minds of many. After the Soviet Union fell, Halloween became very popular.